Boda Etiquette 101

The boda driver yelled at me yesterday because I, and I quote, "you refuse to sit like a man." He claimed I would fall off if I didn't switch the way I was sitting, which was side-saddle. Plenty of local women sit sideways and don't fall off. Why should I be any different? Anyway, to prove him wrong I did not fall off. So there - the only time I have been asked to sit like a man and have refused. My mother would be proud.

Good Morning Monday

rain, rain, and more rain...

So it's 3:15 and the day is far from being over. All the hats have been checked for the day, and I guess under normal circumstances we could leave the compound, except we are not under normal circumstances. We are, yet again, having another rainstorm, and are stuck to the confines of the building. By rainstorm, I'm talking about some serious thunder and lightening. Rain freezes time here, commands that people stop any plans they have for traveling. It makes total sense when people's main modes of transportation consist of walking, cycling, and boda. There has not been a day that has passed by without a storm. Oh well...I guess thats what happens when it's rainy season in Gulu.

Oh yeah...and check out this crazy we found this morning!

yay weekend...

So it's finally the weekend. After 2.5 days of working and being on the move since Monday, I am completely exhausted. I think I am going to enjoy my weekends here. Yes. I think I am going to enjoy my weekends here very much indeed.

I took a short walk around my house this morning. Literally. Around. My House. Inside the walls and gates of the compound. Basically we keep everything locked, and I don't have my own set of keys to anything yet, so the only thing I could do was open the back door to go outside. Anyway, I didn't see anyone, wasn't even on the main road...but it was great being out in the sunshine and to see light (especially the power has been out more than its been on since I've arrived). In the distance I heard some ladies singing "how great thou art." It was, needless to say, amazing.

Don't get me wrong, I love my work here, but there's something about not needing to be inside a compound checking hats from 8:30-5:00. Yeah. I think everyone would pretty much agree with me on that one. =) Did I mention I think I am going to really enjoy my weekends here?

Today, I might even learn how to drive a boda. Boda boda boda!!!! It's like their version of taxis here...but via motorcycle, not car. So basically, I might learn how to drive a motorcycle today. Pretty darn exciting if you ask me...I might even have some pictures to post after this, that is, if I survive. Haha.

jet lagged thoughts

I lie here wide awake in my jet lagged state. Outside the dogs are barking up a storm, like that scene in 101 Dalmations where the dogs are sending on the message to save the puppies. Funny how I didn't hear a single dog before I fell asleep. The smells of burning trash permeate the air, the room - I cannot escape it. Every now and then my feet catch the mosquito net around me, and in the dark I struggle blindly to put it back in place.

So far, I like it here. It hasn't quite hit me, you know, the fact that I'm in Uganda. Maybe because the first day I spent here consisted of drinking an iced latte and eating Turkish food for dinner with about a dozen and a half expats. Maybe it's because I'm still in Kampala, a city that is not much different from any other city in the world. Who really knows.

I'm excited for the next few months. There is a lot to be learned here, that's for sure. It's going to be good...